HBCU, Texas Southern, and NFL Legend Kenny Burrough Dies at 73

Texas Southern legend and former star wide receiver Kenny Burrough dies at 73 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Kyle T. Mosley | Feb 24, 2022

One of the most dynamic wide receivers in NFL history, Kenny Burrough, died in Jacksonville, Florida, on Feb. 24, 2022. No cause of death provided.

Burroughs, 73, was an HBCU legend from Texas Southern and later became an NFL legend who played professionally for the New Orleans Saints (1970) and Houston Oilers (1971-1981).

ghows-LK-be83807b-32da-4f70-8896-83e311ef6d1d-22d2db01

"Burrough was a standout football and track athlete from 1967-1969. He is currently 4th among the TSU career receiving leaders and 7th among the TSU season receiving leaders," according to Texas Southern's athletic department.

Kenny Burrough — Burrough at Texas Southern

His longtime friend and Houston broadcaster Ralph Cooper told me that "Burrough loved TSU, the Oilers, Luv Ya Blue, and people. When the Saints traded him to the Oilers and connected him with quarterback Dan Pastorini, the rest was history."

New Orleans owner John Mecom Jr. drafted the 6-3 Burrough in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft with the tenth overall pick. Saints head coach Tom Fears traded Burrough to the Houston Oilers the following season.

Burrough went on to have a tremendous career with the Oilers and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1975 and 1977. 1975 was his best season when he led NFL receivers with 1,063 yards receiving.

He famously wore the number 00 throughout his career before retiring in 1981 - no other NFL has worn the number since.

The Jacksonville native caught 421 receptions for 7,102 yards receiving and 49 receiving touchdowns.

Kenny Burrough returned to his alma mater, Texas Southern, in 2007. He became the Community Relations Director for TSU Athletics to aid fundraising and community projects.

Doug Williams and James "Shack" Harris inducted Burrough into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Published Feb 24, 2022

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: